DELL's a Smart Choice
Written: Jun 06 '01
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Pros: It's a DELL. Lower end of Pentium III's, making it a good deal.
Cons: Slow motherboard for today's technology.
The Bottom Line: If I had the opportunity to go back and re-choose a machine, I would INSTANTLY choose this same model, the DELL Dimension XPS T500.
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| psout100's Full Review: Dell Dimension XPS T500 |
I bought this computer (only my second DELL), in December of 1999. The Dimension XPS T series was DELL's top of the line product at that point. The fastest model was 700 MHz, but I chose the 500 MHz. Whenever purchasing a new computer...NEVER go with the FASTEST chip out there. But ALWAYS go with the fastest technology. You'll get the most for your money.
Anyways, I do a LOT with my computer (Photoshop, AutoCAD, internet, email, MS Office, etc). In all the time I have had it, this computer has proved to be far sturdier than my previous one (non-DELL).
Just recently, my grandmother purchased an Hewlett Packard computer. There is a HUGE difference in quality between my XPS T500 system and her "colorful" HP. For one, hers crashes on virtually every four restarts, where as mine only goes down once five different large programs are running. And that's with only 128 MB ram!
As far as sound, the SoundBlaster LIVE sound card is wonderful, and easily supports the output to my receiver AND computer speakers, creating a wonderful music hall of just my bedroom.
The only downside I have found is when I installed Yamaha's latest CD-RW drive (CRW 2100EZ). It's a wonderful drive and the DELL hardware made it incredibly simple to install. Unfortunately, the ATA speed (relating to the motherboard and hard drive) on my computer is only 33. in order to use the burner at its maximum potential, i would need an ATA-100 motherboard. The maximum upgrade for that system was to ATA-66, thereby making it IMPOSSIBLE for the perfect use of the burner. But that's OK. I can still record at 8x.
As far as technical service, DELL is INCREDIBLE. The send a free technician to your home to install parts, and deliver replacements in a matter of days rather than weeks. The phone service is great (quite precise and accurate). The only downside is that DELL's customers have realized this, which makes the wait an easy five minutes.
If I had the opportunity to go back and re-choose a machine, I would INSTANTLY choose this same model, the XPS T500.
No matter what, DELL is the way to go.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1800
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: 401-500
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 13-20
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Epinions.com ID:
psout100
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Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 2 members
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